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Here we go again: Bubba: "Hey, bought a brand new pickup truck!! $100,000. All for business. I parked it outside so you can see it." Preparer (after glancing out the window and seeing two fishing rods sticking out the window). "That's great Bubba!! We'll see what we can do with your mileage log." Bubba: "Whaddya mean mileage log?? I want'chu to write off this whole thing." Preparer: "They won't let us do that. Only a limited amount of depreciation per year. Not only that, but if you take actual cost, you STILL need a mileage log." Bubba: "Only a limited amount of depreciation? I'll never get $100,000 depreciated out before the thing is ready for the junk yard. I don't need a mileage log either. It's 100% for business. I tole you that." Preparer: Mileage log?? Where do you drive? Bubba: "Everywhere in my business. Just got back from Myrtle Beach last week and my wife wants to see the Alamo in June." Preparer: "I'm sorry Bubba. I don't think I can help you." Bubba: "Well I'm sorry too. I can find someone to do what I want them to do. I'm gonna take my honkin' new truck to Slick Sam over in Yonder County and he'll fix me up." Ever happen to you??

I have had three who took 100% (or nearly) for business. One former client (moved on), one current. One of them was a dump truck. Impossible to use for personal use. The other two are comprised of one small pickup, totally kitted up for business (no one else can fit in it), and one van, also kitted up for business including no place for anyone but a driver to sit. Both guys have motorcycles and other family cars for personal driving. Neither takes 100% business, but 90-95%. With mileage logs.

I'm thankful for this forum. Sometimes you just need to talk things out. My dogs aren't very good at tax stuff. Although they do like to take the paper roll hanging to the floor from the calulator.

Have a client (on second vehicle now) who always buys the vehicle in the business and pays all expenses of the same every year through the business (vehicle is definitely not business use). I make a journal entry in the books every year moving the vehicle expense to owners draw. 14 years running. We never discuss it. Don't ask/don't tell. I'm not hiding it. The client does his own daily entries in QB.

I always liked the ones who said they’re too busy to keep a log and “if I’m audited I’ll just give the auditor my box full of gas & repair receipts and let them figure it out.” I’d always tell them “The auditor will just hand the box right back to you and inform you that you don’t have a deduction.”

That would be nice. But alas, no. Also, most of the time I don't use 1099NEC input forms. Quicker to list on Sales schedule of Sch C or just enter in total.

I wouldn't go that far but I get what he means.

At a seminar an IRS agent once told us that the only vehicle IRS believes is 100% business use is a cement mixer.

@Frog I like your dialogue. Sounds like the beginning of a short story. Perhaps, "Applachian Tax Cheat"

Years ago I met with some prospective clients who represented a merchant card services provider as independent contractors. They received a 30 % commission of their customers monthly merchant card fees. They were really good salespeople and were very profitable. They had paid a Million $ for a custom built bus style motor home and they really wanted to write it off as a business expense. They didn't like my answers and kept on shopping for the perfect tax preparer.

I'm in a rural area. I get farmers coming in with their dirty boots and the place smells like manure for days. I used to have a client that smoked a lot but reading this post, I don't think I have anyone that smokes now. Maybe they all vape now so I don't smell so it.

If they want to show a percentage use, they should buy this.

Sara, I think so. The guys are always the smartest, and give the best advice anyhow. Wimmin folk have some nerve thinking they are smart as the min. Stay in the kitchin where you b'long. Boil us up some bacon and some beans. Throw another log on the fire...

My clients so far have been reasonable but a few - the few - seem to take offense when I ask about missing document X and list of Y expenses. And get annoyed when I have to remind them again after they inquire as to the return status. Just a few cranky folks can spoil the day. Then there are the super nice ones who express real gratitude - they are a gift.

How about smelly clients? I had one older woman in particular that practically bathed in this sickeningly sweet perfume. You could still smell the perfume lingering in the office 4 hours later. And sometimes, she would hug me and slime my clothes. Eww.

Awww. That's a letdown!

Yep, hadn't thought to look there at first, because I'm giving the now-former client away and NOT preparing a tax return for her. I do get my biz ELs from TTB, so I should've gone there first. Thanks, everyone!

No, I'm firing clients, telling them to pick up their folders if they don't want extensions! (I do have a local guy with availability who'll pay me for clients, if I'm in a mood to make a referral.)

Had one lady years ago who would bring her docs in one of those Dutch butter cookie tins. Everything smelled of cookies. Finally told her that if she was going to do that, to leave me a couple of cookies. The next year she brought an envelope, doggone it all.

The worst I've had is cigarette smoke. But I did have one year where the envelope the client dropped off included one of those perfume samples that are small, porous cards attached inside magazines. Really strong after being enclosed.

Cigarette smoke and couldn't wait to get them out of my office. The firm I worked for early in my career had a seafood market, and the stench from its papers was nauseating. The owners knew it too because they and the kids would shower and change clothes after work. AIr out as best you can, keep the docs sealed up and in a separate area until ready to work on them, and get the work done sooner than later. Maybe you could put a box of baking soda or some odor absorber/neutralizer in a bag with the papers.

Accounting "system"